GRETCHEN WHITMER

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was isolating from her husband in their home Tuesday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

The governor, who was not experiencing symptoms, had a negative rapid test and was awaiting the results of a PCR lab test out of an abundance of caution, spokesperson Bobby Leddy said. Marc Mallory, whose home test came back positive after he became sick, was waiting for confirmation from a PCR test.

Both Whitmer and the 61-year-old first gentleman are fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot.

Leddy said they took extra precautions over the holidays to limit contact with others as they celebrated Christmas with immediate family members in Michigan.

The state, like the U.S., is facing an explosive increase in coronavirus case counts fueled by the super-contagious omicron variant. It is causing lots of infections but so far does not appear to be as severe in its effects.

“Until the PCR test comes back, the governor is isolating in a separate area of the house and has taken steps to complete contact tracing to keep others safe. … We wish the first gentleman a speedy recovery and hope he feels better soon,” Leddy said.

Michigan’s case numbers have caused many schools to delay the start of January classes or switch to online learning. Students in the Detroit school district will resume classes at home with laptops, at least through Jan. 14.

About 37% of eligible Detroit residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, far below the statewide figure.

Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System is “bracing for one of the bleakest months” of the pandemic, said Dr. Dennis Cunningham, director of infection control, citing the likely spread of COVID-19 during holiday gatherings.

Michigan reported an average of 12,200 new daily cases from last Thursday through Monday.